I am super duper mega excited for Friday! I will giving a beauty talk to Adamson University students as part of the Colour Collection Tour. I am just this close to bursting with all the things I want to share to the students, not only when it comes to makeup and fashion, but how to cultivate their self-confidence and hopefully go into a career they love.

It's really more of me sharing my story. I was a reclusive college kid pretty much, and now I'm in PR and marketing. Makeup plays a big role in my life beyond the fact that I write about it almost everyday. It helped me find the courage to face a future that I wasn't sure would happen to me. 

The purple bus!

I had work last December 15 which is why I wasn't able to catch the 11am launch of Benefit Philippines, but that didn't stop me from dropping by later in the afternoon to check out the store. Like the brand, its local store is all pink and cheeky, with big white budoirs and rose-patterned wallpaper.

Things you must do while inside: swatch everything, get a makeover from their well-trained counter assistants, and try the Brow Bar! Read my sneak peek post for product photos + complete price list.

So, without further ado, here's a tour of the place!

All the makeup is neatly laid out for you to try

There's really nothing like a gaggle of girls just chillin' like villains in a fabulous salon. It's all laughter and crazy one-liners as everyone does their favorite thing, which is to primp and prettify just because!

That's what happened at the opening of the newest FAB Salon branch in Valero Street, Makati. Beauty bloggers got together to try the salon's services such as hot oil, foot spa, mani and pedi, hair cut, and even a makeup makeover. They are pretty good considering the fact that FAB Salon is a relatively inexpensive salon. I already reviewed some of their services here!

I got a hot oil and a looooong overdue haircut.

A few weeks ago Lancome Philippines invited bloggers to visit their Greenbelt 5 Atelier. It's my first time to actually go inside so it was, to say the least, an interesting afternoon for me!

The atelier is posh, all gleaming glass and silver panels decorating the bright interiors. I immediately scoured the displays for makeup (surprise surprise?). Hehe.

One of the brand's latest foundations - Blanc Miracle

The makeover table

Benefit is a wildly popular brand worldwide, not just because of their cheeky names and packaging but also because their products deliver exactly what they promise. Ever heard of Benetint? This cult classic has actually been around since the 70s, when twins Jean and Jane Ford started a backyard business selling cosmetics. Over the years, it has become one of the most well-known cheek colors and one of Benefit's top-selling products.

The brand is finally arriving in the Philippines this December 15, and I want to show you what to expect! Think cute and vintage-y interiors, our fave Benefit products (of course), and friendly prices that matches Hong Kong's. Yes, the Benefit here is reasonably priced and is actually cheaper than in Singapore! You can check out the complete price list at the end of this post.

Okay, ready to see what happened at the blogger sneak peek in the Benefit office? Here goes!

I know, I know, this is rather late but I wanted to share what went down at the Clinique Real Women Party anyway. It was, as all Clinique parties go, an intimate affair. All my favorite people were there plus I got to meet one of my readers, Mina! It was chika all afternoon at the Clinique Rockwell counter and even most of the evening as we had dinner together. Super fun. 

The new Clinique counter in Rustan's Essences, Powerplant Mall

That's Mina and that's me!

I've always wondered how it would be like if I were a glamorous celebrity. I would imagine the lights, the makeup, the beautiful clothes, and a score of people attending me as I prepare for a fab shoot. But I am not a celebrity, so all I can do is wonder (and D-I-Y to death) - that is, until Sunsilk asked me to join a shoot by one of the country's top photographers, Niccolo Cosme!

Sophie, Shen, Nikki, and I

I've been blogging for a few years now. In the course of my "career", I've luckily experienced a few cool milestones, but being part of a real photoshoot is definitely a first. It's all thanks to Sunsilk, who chose four beauty bloggers to celebrate with them after they reached 1,000,000 fans on their Hair Experts Facebook Page.

What do you think? I normally hate this angle of me, but Niccolo Cosme has some magic in his shutters. ;) Anyway, would just like to share a photo diary of what transpired at the shoot. You'll see a lot of Sophie, Nikki, and Shen as we prepare for the shoot behind the scenes.

Nikki is bright and sunny as always

Did you know that Bobbi Brown began with just ten lipsticks in 1991? What actually made those lipsticks special is Bobbi's intense desire to make them wearable by women of all ages and colors. The ten original lipsticks were brown-based, as was the trend that time. Twenty years later these lipsticks are still relevant and of-the-moment. Classic!

To celebrate the 20-year milestone, Bobbi Brown Philippines threw a party for the press at The Establishment, The Fort. They showed off the gorgeous 20th Anniversary Lip Palette which contains the ten original Bobbi Brown lipsticks plus ten new trendy shades. Kai Vinson, the Bobbi Brown Asia-Pacific Regional Director for Artistry and Education, also flew in to demonstrate two holidays looks on top model Jessica Yang.

Kai showed us two looks we could wear for the holidays - classic glam with red lips and sexy smoky eyes.

Belo is a name that's so big, it has become part of Pinoy pop consciousness. If you need to go to Belo, you need to have your face or body fixed - that's what the word means! After 20 years in the business, the whirlwind that is Dr. Vicky Belo has built a brand that even celebrities would flock to.

I must admit that I don't know much about Belo until I met her during the Belo Blogger's Dinner. She gamely discussed her top treatments over delicious food at The Establishment, The Fort. Two of Belo's most loyal customers, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Albert Martinez, were also there to talk about their favorite treatments too. 

This picture doesn't do Zsa Zsa justice, but I swear, she looks good for her age! She's in her 40s but she looks fit and glowing even with light makeup on. She shares that she loves the Sculptor Plus treatment which effectively tightens and contours both her face and body.

Avon used to be known as a frumpy, outdated brand patronized by our lolas and old aunts. Sure it has noteworthy products, but us young 'uns would always go for edgy brands that we can proudly carry around as a sign of well, coolness. Being "in".

However, unless you're living under a rock, you probably know that Avon is quickly remodeling itself as a hip, classy name with more updated products that can compete with the trendy brands we know today.

New Avon rings

Avon proved it with their new designer collection launched last October 20 at Salon De Ning, The Peninsula Manila. Three new jewelry sets designed by the House of Ungaro (inspired by Paris), Shaill Jhaveri (India), and Maria Politis (New York) were showcased to the press that evening, as well as a Manzzini bag collection inspired by Verona.

Here's the designer collection, as modeled during the event!

Ruffa Gutierrez wearing the House of Ungaro x Avon accessories

PRESS RELEASE: “La Ville-Lumière” or “The City of Light” is the setting of Avon’s first international luxury brand collaboration – Parisienne Bloom Collection. Avon invited its guests to enjoy life’s finest pleasures as it virtually took them to the romantic city of Paris.

My love affair with Clinique is pretty young, but there is none a love more passionate and consuming. Lol. Theatrics aside, Clinique is probably my favorite brand out of all I've tried so far - because of it, I have come to realize that there is so much more to skincare and makeup than the drugstore products I've been using before.

Adik! Most of my Clinique stuff. Some I've already repurchased. Read my reviews here.

So why am I in love with the brand? Simple. Before Clinique, my skin looked like crap. Now, I use AT LEAST three Clinique products everyday: the Clinique Liquid Facial Soap (Oily Skin Formula), Derma White City Block Anti-Pollution SPF40, and the Moisture Surge.  Barring any hormonal stuff and new products breaking me out, these three keep my skin glowing and smooth. I've tried other cheaper and more expensive products before, but I always go back to Clinique.

Wearing the Superbalanced Powder Makeup here

When I was younger, I was very reckless about using skincare products. I thought, "What's the worst that can happen?" Indeed, what? I found out the hard way after allergic reactions and several breakouts later. Thus, I've taken to reading (or at the very least, scanning) the label of each product I use. You'll also notice that in most of my skincare and makeup reviews, I provide a snap of the ingredients (when applicable).

I usually Google the ingredients I'm concerned about. Now if you've tried doing that before, you'll notice that getting the results you want can be a challenge. The EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database is very helpful, but you'll have to wade through a lot of data to get the info you need. I also like Cosdna since it's more straightforward, but it's not as comprehensive as EWG. 

So where else can we go? Fortunately, Human Heart Nature decided to develop an app that functions as an ingredients database.

Women from both sides of my family suffered from breast cancer. Knowing that, I check my breasts regularly for lumps. I do know I should take it further by getting a mammogram yearly, but for now, I'm just satisfied that there are no lumps!

On that note, did you know that breast cancer is more or less curable if detected early? You can save your and your loved ones' lives just by encouraging them to do a breast self exam, even if they're just in the shower. This is the advocacy of the Estee Lauder group of companies - they want to raise awareness about breast cancer so that women do not have to suffer needlessly just because they were not informed.

Mel Lerma of Estee Lauder talking about the campaign

Estee Lauder currently has a Facebook app that encourages everyone to share a message of hope. Just by typing a few inspiring words in the app, you can help light the world pink - literally! There are illumination sites all over the world, where landmarks are lit pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

There's an upcoming party that's gathering a lot of buzz lately. Can you guess? ;) Well, it's the Multiply Shopping Party happening this October 18 at Whitespace, Makati! It's for fashionistas and makeup enthusiasts who love shopping for unique finds online. This time, all your favorite Multiply stores will be brought to you in an exciting night featuring a fashion show and live performances from DJ Mars Miranda and rock band Techy Romantics.

The catch: you have to have tickets to get in. But since I love you, I'm giving away 20 tickets to 10 Project Vanity readers! How to get the tickets? It's painfully easy. 

A couple of weeks ago, French skincare brand Yves Rocher invited me to their official launch at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. I didn't know quite what to expect because the invite requested me to proceed to a suite instead of a function room or restaurant where events are usually held. Well, I'm always up for something new!

The Luzon Suite was transformed into a foot spa and makeup paradise surrounded by Yves Rocher's products. There was a makeup artist who was only eager to give everyone a makeover, and an attendant who did an excellent job at giving a foot scrub, massage, and pedicure. I like that the atmosphere was very relaxed and intimate. The whole afternoon was also very educational as I got to learn more about the 50-year old French household name.

Getting a foot spa!

Yves Rocher was one of the first, if not the first, to produce beauty products consistently sourced from botanical ingredients. They did it waaay before it was trendy to be green, organic, natural, and animal cruelty-free! Each product is created with as little harmful chemicals and preservatives as possible, and are inspired by a particular plant in mind.

Face products

YR's best-selling product, Elixir 7.9 (P990)

All the ingredients are planted, harvested, and manufactured in Yves Rocher's farm in the village of La Gacilly, in France. Yves Rocher, the founder, was a small-time businessman in rural La Gacilly.

Because I'm shedding skin like a reptile, I have to miss two cool events that are happening this week. Go for me, will you? Then tell me all about it!

VMV Hypoallergenics will be having a Skin Soiree this Thursday, Sept 15, 2011 at the VMV Skin Research Center in 117 Carlos Palanca Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. They've got free makeovers, freebies for your purchases plus discounts on VMV products, facials, and procedures. What's even better is we’re giving away full-sized Ooh-La-Lash! Volumizing Mascaras for free and we're giving you a first look at our Holiday Sets

Why you should go: FREE full-sized Ooh-La-Lash Mascaras! The Ooh-La-Lash is one of my fave mascaras, so if there's a chance you can get it for free, don't miss it!

Port 88: Ready, Set, SALE! will be held on September 17 & 18, 2011 at The Megatent Events Venue Ortigas from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

I have a confession to make. It's quite embarrassing, actually, but here we go: I have never used Cover Girl cosmetics before. There! It's out! How can I be alive for 23 years without using Cover Girl? I don't know!

I'm glad that there's a first time for everything because the first time is always the sweetest. ;) When Cover Girl launched its latest innovation called the Lip Perfection Lipstick, I knew that there was a love affair just waiting to happen. The lipsticks are AMAZING. I am thoroughly impressed. I'll write about the lipsticks in a separate post (hopefully today!) but for the meantime, I just want to share what happened during the launch (plus previews of my Cover Girl haul).

Makeup + macarons = always a winner combination!

It's always a treat to hang out with fellow beauty bloggers, no matter where or what for. You see, most of us have day jobs that are worlds away from what we gab about online, so getting together is the best opportunity to actually talk about makeup and skincare as true-blue hobbyists. It's not like we talk beauty - in-depth - to our bosses and friends, no?

Bambi, me, Kira

The House of Obagi dinner was one such opportunity to get together. The best beauty and fashion bloggers, as well as members of the press, got to hang out and of course find out more about the brand's new skincare line called Obagi 360. It's hard to explain thoroughly in just a few sentences, but I'll try (and you can always refer to the document below for more information)!

Obagi 360 is a collection of HOO's best selling individual products that are put together to work "synergistically" with your skin. It carries the Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel, Toner, Clear, Exfoderm, Blender, Physical Sunscreen SPF 32, Pro-C 10%, Elastiderm Eye Cream, and TR Complex - HOO's dream team. Obagi 360 also recommends its treatments to go along with 360 for your best skin yet.

Here are more photos of the event!

Lissa Kahayon, Marj Sia, Sophie Uy

I’m very happy to observe that as Filipinas are starting to step up their style chops, malls are also keeping up! I’m sure you’ve already observed the influx of amazing items in SM malls in the past year or so - from shoes, accessories, to clothes, the previously “outdated” mall chain has risen up to become one of the country’s most fashionable places to shop in. 

SM malls in the main Manila area have reinvented themselves, but the South will not be ignored. Before, stylish Southerners in the Las Pinas and Alabang area may be obliged to make a trip to Makati or Ortigas to get dibs on the latest fashion pieces. Now, SM Southmall can be your one-stop shop in the South for the best fashion finds.

SM Southmall recently held a fashion show to showcase some of its most stylish brands. Promod, Parfois, Accessorize, and All Flip Flops were some of the names that took part in the event. Models donned the latest collections from these brands and strutted their stuff on the catwalk.

This girl is totally rocking The Promod Clogs That Got Away. Huhu.